Garut, the Enchanting City, Became the First Cradle of the Creators of Peace (CoP) Program's Revival. On May 19, 2024, IofC Indonesia collaborated with PD Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Muhammadiyah Kab. Garut to hold an event titled, "Upgrading Pimpinan, Creating Personality Woman Leader" marking the rebirth of the Creators of Peace (CoP) program in the serene city of Garut.
As the sun rose, the venue was filled with hopeful faces. The 25 participants, all from PD Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Muhammadiyah Kab, Garut, arrived with high enthusiasm. They carried personal aspirations and dreams of making changes within their organization.

The first session commenced with the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, Mars Muhammadiyah, and Mars Nasyiatul Aisyiyah. The event continued with a welcoming speech from the leader of PD Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Muhammadiyah Kab. Garut, who emphasized the significance of this gathering. "We are here not only to learn but also to forge stronger connections and deepen our understanding among PD NA members," she passionately declared.
The event featured three inspiring female facilitators who had accomplished and overcome multiple challenges, both in their careers and personal lives. One of them was Teh Nenden, a social worker actively spreading peace on a national and international level. Nenden, who has helped over 500 individuals grow and heal their inner wounds at the School of Reconciliation, shared her insights with a relaxed and meaningful tone.
"Women are the source of love. We are bestowed with the privilege of being the vessel for new humans to reside and grow. From us, life unfolds and everything begins; goodness and evil. So women carry a great responsibility to build peace because as peacebuilders, women also face the risk of disrupting peace. Women need to be given opportunities to learn and continuously grow, building their authentic selves. CoP provides a space for women to have the opportunity to grow, and enhance their capacity to become peacemakers within themselves, their families, and their nation."
Her words resonated with the participants, prompting reflection and motivation to cultivate inner love and drive for change.
CoP Agendas:
Orientation & Explanation: An introduction to Quiet Time and the 4 IofC Standard Moral Values.
Jar Exercise: Sharing a life story from a facilitator about her journey of applying the 4 Standard Moral Values and Quiet Time in her life.
Playing Friends for Life Cards: Participants are divided into small groups and share reflections based on the chosen cards.
Part #1: What is Peace? Initiated with an Art Therapy activity, inviting participants to be creative and define peace from their perspectives.
Part #2: What Destroys Peace? Commencing with a life story from a facilitator, followed by participants selecting a Today I Will card and reflecting on the elements that disrupt peace, aligned with the illustration they chose.

Closing: The session concluded with an appreciation thread activity. Each person shares a thread with another participant, offering appreciation. These threads were then interconnected, symbolizing the strength and unity among all those present.
With the conclusion of this event, Garut now boasts a group of empowered women ready to assume greater roles in leading and inspiring their organization. Woman Creators of Peace has successfully created a space for women to flourish, learn, and prepare themselves to spread peace, starting from within themselves, their families, and their nation.
Join us in becoming a part of CoP. Together, let's unleash the potential of women in Woman Creators of Peace!

Anisa Ladhuny
Proofread: Peter Heyes